Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has urged the residents of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to stand united and prevent vote fragmentation in the forthcoming assembly elections to preserve the region’s identity.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a press briefing in Shopian, Mufti voiced concerns over recent political maneuvers, including the release of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Rashid. She speculated that the timing of Rashid’s release could be a strategic move to dilute the voter base. Although Mufti welcomed his release, she criticized the timing as potentially influencing the assembly elections rather than the prior Parliamentary elections where his participation might have been more impactful.
Mufti highlighted the importance of cohesive voting to combat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s policies, which she claims threaten the cultural and economic stability of Kashmir. She also raised questions regarding the financing of AIP’s expansive campaign efforts, suggesting the possibility of external funding aimed at supporting fragmented voting.
Addressing the promises made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah regarding job creation, Mufti dismissed these claims as unreliable, pointing to the BJP’s history of unfulfilled job creation pledges on a national scale.